The Dark Horses · Nation to Glory

Take Nigeria to Glory

“electric entertainers”

The press pack calls Nigeria the neutrals' favourite since forever, and files them as electric entertainers. The bookmakers put them in the dark horses at 66/1 – 150/1.

▶ Play as Nigeria

The bookmakers

The Dark Horses — 66/1 – 150/1

The federation's target

The round of 16

Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it

In goal, Rufai, but he mentions the princedom less. At the back, Taribo West, but with regulation hair. Running midfield, Okocha — so good they named him once. Up front, Yekini, but he eventually lets go of the net.

One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Nigeria can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.

▶ Play as Nigeria

The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1

ArgentinaBrazilFranceEnglandSpainGermanyPortugalNetherlands

The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1

ItalyBelgiumCroatiaUruguayMoroccoColombiaUSAMexicoJapanSwitzerlandDenmarkSenegal

The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1

NorwayAustriaUkraineTurkeySwedenPolandSerbiaSouth KoreaAustraliaIranEcuadorNigeriaEgyptAlgeriaScotlandHungaryCzechiaGreeceIvory CoastCanada

The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1

WalesPeruChileParaguayTunisiaCameroonGhanaMaliCosta RicaQatarSaudi ArabiaSlovakiaSloveniaRomaniaIrelandNorth MacedoniaBosnia & HerzegovinaGeorgiaFinlandIceland

The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting

AlbaniaNorthern IrelandIraqUAEUzbekistanJordanBurkina FasoDR CongoSouth AfricaCape VerdePanamaJamaicaHondurasEl SalvadorVenezuelaBoliviaNew ZealandChinaOmanHaiti